Red Kangaroos
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| Red Kangaroo Conservation status: Lower risk | ||||||||||||||||
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| Macropus rufus Desmarest, 1822 |
The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos and the largest surviving marsupial. It is found across the bulk of mainland Australia, avoiding only the more fertile areas in the south, the east coast, and the northern rainforests.
Summary
- A very large kangaroo with short, red-brown fur, fading to pale buff below and on the limbs. Long, pointed ears, squared-off muzzle. Female smaller, blue-grey with a brown tinge, pale grey below. Arid zone females coloured more like male. The Red Kangaroos are also one of the biggest marsupials.
The Red Kangaroos inhabit most of the dry, inland, of the central part of Australia. They prefer open plains where trees and bushes are scarce.
Red Kangaroos prefer to eat grasses and other vegetation. They can go long periods of time without water, as long as they have access to green plants as they have the ability to take moisture out of plants.
Red Kangaroos are nocturnal and crepuscular, and largely spend the daylight hours sleeping or otherwise relaxing.
When male kangaroos fight, they may appear to be 'boxing'. They usually stand up on their hind limbs and attempt to push their opponent off balance by jabbing him or locking forearms. If the fight escalates, they will begin to kick each other. Using their tail to support their weight, they deliver kicks with their powerful hind legs.
- Length: males: to 1.4 m (excluding tail), females to 1.1 m. Tail up to 1 m.
- Weight: males to 85 kg, females to 35 kg.
- Alternative Names: The female also known as a Blue Flyer. Macropus rufus is from the Latin for: "big foot" and "red".
- Range: Arid and semi-arid central Australia
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